Happenings

The Brandon Valley Optimist Club will present Hometown Days from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at McHardy Park.

New this year will be live superhero characters from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Train rides will be from 3 to 6 p.m., and horse-drawn wagon rides will be from 4 to 7 p.m.

Six events will be on the First National Bank Free Entertainment stage: Rock & Roll Band will be at 3 p.m.; Amazing Zebra Show, 3:45 p.m.; Burnie the Bunnie Show, 4:15 p.m.; The Teels, 5 p.m.; Massive Brass Attack, 6 p.m.; and the Disney movie “Moana,” 9 p.m.

Food vendors and booths with activities for children will also be available.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony planned

Gypsy Trading Company will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Brandon Valley Chamber of Commerce from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 25.

The business moved to 515 N. Splitrock Blvd. from 1324 E. Cedar Street.

Library to host free summer reading program

The Reading Bridge Summer Tutoring Program is coming to Brandon.

The free program – small-group tutoring sessions in reading and writing from 10 to 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. to noon at Brandon Community Library – is open to elementary students in the Brandon and Valley Springs areas July 10 to Aug. 3.

Students will check out library books at each session and receive a Reading Bridge book bag. Register online at www.readingbridge.org or call the library at 605-582-2390.

Free lunch program available

There is such a thing as a free lunch this summer through the Brandon Valley School District.

Free meals from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday as part of a nine-week program from May 30 to July 28 will be offered to all children up to age 18 at Brandon Elementary School.

Meals in the program – which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture – will be provided to any children in the age range regardless of where they attend school.

Community organization needs

The Brandon Area Food Pantry is looking for donations to help those in need. Before donating, please check the expiration date, as expired foods cannot be distributed. Monetary donations are always appreciated.

The BAFP is located at 406 Main Ave., and is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. To donate or to learn more, call 582-7001.

The Brandon Lions Club also wants your aluminum cans. Proceeds from the sale of aluminum cans allow the Lions Club to fund requests for vision and hearing impairment needs.

No paper?

If you do not receive your Brandon Valley Challenger, please call 605-331-2225.